TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Journalists, a coalition of press organizations in Central Sulawesi, has criticized the sudden decision of TVRI Sulteng to lay off around 15 journalists, including several broadcasters. This decision is said to be the result of the central government's budget efficiency policies under President Prabowo Subianto. "Yes, that's correct," said Agung Sumandjaya, Chairperson of the Independent Journalist Alliance of Palu, when confirmed on Monday, January 10, 2025.

The experience of fellow journalists at TVRI Sulteng has become a shared concern among several press and media organizations affiliated with the House of Journalists. "Public broadcasting institutions, which are supposed to work for the public interest in the field of information, should not be targeted for budget efficiency, especially funds designated for the journalists' salaries," he said.

Budget efficiency aimed at supporting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program should not come at the expense of the welfare of journalists in public broadcasting institutions. They are concerned that the children of laid-off journalists will struggle to meet their nutritional needs due to the loss of their parents' income.

Central government policies undermine the dignity of press freedom, where part of the duty and responsibility of journalists in realizing Press Freedom is to seek and gather information to be conveyed to the public. "While journalists in Sulteng are unable to carry out their duties following the mandate of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press because they have been laid off," he added.

In their statement, this coalition urged the government to reevaluate budget efficiency policies, especially for contributing journalists and contractors in public broadcasting institutions. They also called on the region's public broadcasters to open a dialogue for justice and the fulfillment of workers' rights.

The House of Journalists also demands that the rights of laid-off workers be resolved following labor laws and requests that budget efficiency not be applied discriminatively. They also urge the Indonesian House of Representatives to be more transparent in planning efficiency policies to avoid harming vital sectors such as journalism.

As a follow-up action, this coalition invites all elements of the press in Indonesia to stand in solidarity in rejecting policies that undermine the sustainability of journalistic work in public broadcasting institutions. If their demands are not met, the House of Journalists expressed its readiness to mobilize solidarity actions and further advocacy efforts to defend the rights of journalists and public broadcasting workers.

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